Former President Bill Clinton hailed President Obama during remarks at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. / Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

Former president Bill Clinton can add Father of the Year to the many awards he's garnered in his decades of public service.

The National Father's Day Council, which has been giving out such an honor for 72 years, has named Clinton one of its recipients for 2013.

"With the profound generosity, leadership and tireless dedication to both his public office and many philanthropic organizations, President Clinton exemplifies the attributes that we celebrate through the Father of the Year award," said Dan Orwig, chairman of the National Father's Day Committee.

The 42nd president is being honored for his work through the William J. Clinton Foundation "to improve global health, promote healthier childhoods and protect the environment" and for bringing "global leaders together to work on the most pressing issues," according to the committee's statement.

Clinton and his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, have always doted on their daughter, Chelsea, who turns 33 next month. When Chelsea Clinton was getting ready for her 2010 wedding, her dad said walking her down the aisle was "the most important job I'll ever have."

The not-for-profit group awards Father of the Year to "contemporary lifestyle leaders of our culture" and raises money for its philanthropic efforts. Past recipients from the world of politics have included Michael Bloomberg, Andrew Cuomo and his father, Mario Cuomo, and Rudy Giuliani.